In this episode, we’re joined by Kuntal Joisher, a pioneering vegan mountaineer and passionate animal advocate. Kuntal made history as the first vegan to climb Mount Everest, not just once, but twice, all while staying true to his principles by designing and using the world’s first animal-free climbing suit.

Kuntal shares his incredible journey to veganism, detailing the challenges he faced and overcame in the world of extreme sports. We explore his passion for creating a community where vegans can embark on adventures without compromising their values, and he offers practical tips for those in India looking to transition to a vegan lifestyle.

Tune in to hear Kuntal’s inspiring story—from his transformation from a software engineer to a record-setting mountaineer, to his advocacy for a cruelty-free lifestyle in every aspect of life. You’ll also gain valuable insights into how Kuntal is breaking barriers in the adventure world and empowering others to follow in his footsteps.

Note: About 50 minutes into the episode, the microphone’s SD card filled up, and we had to switch to the camera’s audio. Hope this doesn’t impact your listening experience too much!

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

02:20 — Introduction by Kuntal

07:44 — Kuntal’s Vegan Journey

25:35 — Kuntal’s Vegan Climb on Mount Everest

40:06 — Nepal Earthquake Avalanche

50:28 — Second Attempt to Climb Mount Everest

58:00 — Creating the First Animal-Free Climbing Suit for Mount Everest

1:05:00 — Tips for Adopting a Vegan Lifestyle in India

1:12:30 — Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/IoHw7h9H9wU

Connect with me:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Kuntal:

https://www.instagram.com/kuntalj

More links:

⁠⁠https://hoo.be/itsfarahamber

Contact me:

farah@farahamber.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Ritv Kapoor, a dedicated vegan entrepreneur from India. Ritv is the founder of "People of Tomorrow," an exceptional vegan restaurant in New Delhi that originally started as a sustainable living platform. His commitment to sustainability and veganism shines through his innovative business approaches and community-focused efforts.

Ritv shares his vegan journey, discusses the evolution and challenges of running a vegan restaurant in India, and provides insights into the booming vegan scene in New Delhi. He elaborates on the unique sustainability practices at his restaurant and the importance of making vegan food appealing to non-vegans.

Tune in to learn about Ritv's experiences in the restaurant industry, his innovative sustainability practices, and his vision for the future of veganism in India.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

04:52 — Start of People of Tomorrow

06:40 — Ritv’s Vegan Journey

08:53 — All About People of Tomorrow

15:53 — Sustainability Practices at People of Tomorrow

18:37 — Veganism & India

22:06 — Marketing Vegan Food to Non-Vegans

27:45 — POT food and recipes

30:32 — Advice for Aspiring Vegan Entrepreneurs

32:38 — Challenges in the Vegan Restaurant Business

36:27 — What’s Next for Ritv & POT

43:05 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here.

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Ritv:

https://www.instagram.com/ritvkapoor

https://www.instagram.com/peopleoftomorow/

https://www.instagram.com/peopleoftomorow2.0/

More links:⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠

Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Shreya Ghodawat, an influential sustainability advocate, entrepreneur, and climate activist from India. Shreya hosts the podcast “Sustainable Tea with Shreya,” where she delves into climate action and sustainability with various thought leaders and experts. She is the co-founder of “Meat Less Meet More,” an initiative focusing on luxury plant-based networking events in India, and serves as the India Ambassador for SHE Changes Climate, promoting the role of gender in climate discussions.

Shreya shares her inspiring vegan journey, offers insights on sustainability in India, and recounts her experiences at COP28. She discusses the importance of making sustainability accessible, the concept of a de-influencer economy, and the critical role of gender in climate action.

Tune in to gain valuable tips on living a more sustainable lifestyle and to hear about Shreya's inspiring work, including her initiatives like "Meat Less Meet More" and her podcast "Sustainable Tea with Shreya.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

05:20 — Shreya’s Vegan Journey

13:26 — Veganism in India

17:25 — Sustainability in India

19:58 — On Being More Sustainable

22:47 — Shreya’s Experience at COP28

27:28 — Making Sustainability Cool / De-Influencing Economy

33:05 — Earth Overshoot Day

35:09 — Gender and Climate / She Changes Climate

40:22 — What’s Next for Shreya

42:07 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/BbNQHocD0nY

Listen to the podcast here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6AcLaofzDZ6uMJNstfnGYX

https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/changemakers/id1647956676

Connect with me:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Shreya:

https://www.instagram.com/shreyaghodawat

https://www.instagram.com/sustainableteawithshreya

More links: ⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠

Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Shivam Nandi, also known as Voice of Vegans (@voiceofvegans_). Shivam is a vegan educator and content creator on YouTube, Instagram, and his blog, voiceofvegans.com.

Shivam shares his insights on effective vegan advocacy in India, discussing the challenges and strategies for pr vegan mdebates.

Tune in to hear Shivam's expert advice on animal advocacy, his experiences with street activism, and tips for aspiring vegans.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

02:47 — Shivam’s Vegan & Activism Journey

13:00 — Shivam’s Activism & Street Outreach

16:49 — Tips for Animal Advocacy Methods

28:33 — On Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World

32:43 — Tips for Aspiring Vegans

35:38 — Nuances of the Indian Dairy Industry

55:57 — Open Slaughterhouses in India

1:00:58 — Practices Not Known to the Public

1:03:27 — Reacting to Anti-Vegan Comments / Human-Animal Victim Analogy

1:09:41 — What’s Next for Voice of Vegans

1:13:06 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Shivam:

https://www.instagram.com/voiceofvegans_

https://www.youtube.com/@voiceofvegans

https://www.voiceofvegans.com/

More links: ⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠

Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

In this episode, we're joined by Rajeshwar Singh Maini

(@rsmaini) of Animal Save India and the Plant Based Treaty. Rajeshwar is a prominent animal rights advocate who launched The Save Movement in India, starting with Mumbai Animal Save in 2018. Rajeshwar works on individual change in activism and institutional change through his work with the Plant Based Treaty.

Rajeshwar shares his vegan journey story coming from a family that owned a poultry shop to becoming a leading voice in the vegan movement in India. In our discussion, Rajeshwar shares about his involvement with Animal Save, the National Animal Rights Day, and about his work at the COP28 in Dubai with Plant Based Treaty.

Tune in as Rajeshwar shares valuable advice on effective animal advocacy methods and shares insights into creating a vegan India.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

03:52 — Rajeshwar’s Vegan Journey

07:20 — Rajeshwar’s Animal Activism Projects

11:16 — COP28 in Dubai with the Plant Based Treaty

17:27 — Socratic Method in Animal Advocacy

23:10 — On Veganism in India

26:27 — Experience Visiting Slaughterhouses

30:28 — Managing Mental Health in Activism

35:00 — On The Support of Family and Friends

36:34 — Future Projects and What’s Next For Rajeshwar

38:34 — Final Message and Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

Listen to the podcast here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6AcLaofzDZ6uMJNstfnGYX

https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/changemakers/id1647956676

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Rajeshwar:

https://www.instagram.com/rsmaini

https://www.instagram.com/animalsaveindia

More links: https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠

Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

In this episode, we're joined by Malavika Malaviya (@malagoesgreen). Malavika is a passionate vegan advocate and social media influencer who has made significant strides in promoting a cruelty free and sustainable lifestyle through her online platform.

During our conversation, Malavika shares about her personal journey toward veganism and the motivations for launching her platform. She offers a look into the often-overlooked aspects of the dairy and leather industries in India, providing eye-opening insights that challenge mainstream beliefs.

Tune in as Malavika shares valuable advice on advocating for veganism and presents practical tips for those interested in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, all supported by local resources in India.

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

05:24 — Malavika’s Vegan Journey & Start of @malagoesgreen

07:40 — Farah’s Vegan Journey

09:25 — What Consumers In India Don’t Know

13:30 — Dealing With Cognitive Dissonance in Animal Activism

17:23 — Thoughts on Different Effective Vegan Advocacy Methods

22:02 — Is Leather a By-Product or a Co-Product?

31:26 — Malavika’s Projects

32:26 — Advice For Aspiring Vegans in India

39:33 — What’s Next For Malavika?

40:22 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Malavika: https://www.instagram.com/malagoesgreen

More links: ⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠

Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Harsha Atmakuri (@harshadoc_), a filmmaker and animal rights activist who directed the exposé Maa Ka Doodh (Mother’s Milk), an undercover investigative documentary on the Indian dairy industry.

Harsha is a doctor from South India who quit his job and transitioned from studying medicine to becoming a full-time animal activist and filmmaker. He embarked on an investigative journey across India to uncover the link between the nation's massive dairy consumption and its beef exports which he documented in ‘Maa Ka Doodh’ (watch Maa Ka Doodh for free in English, Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi here)

Tune in to hear Harsha discuss his vegan journey, the challenges of dairy industry investigation, and the intricate complexities surrounding cow and buffalo exploitation in India. Gain insights into how Gaushalas (cow shelters) can still exploit cows, the marketing strategies behind A2 milk, and the fate of male calves in the dairy industry.

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction 02:06 — Harsha’s Vegan Journey 08:52 — Harsha’s Animal Activism 10:30 — The Journey Towards ‘Maa Ka Doodh’

17:37 — On The Production of ‘Maa Ka Doodh’

21:16 — The Response of ‘Maa Ka Doodh’ 24:42 — Do Gaushalas Exploit Cows? 27:20 — A2 Milk Marketing Strategy

30:39 — Cow vs Buffalo Beef

35:00 — What Happens To The Male Calves in the Indian Dairy Industry

37:58 — Transport of Cows to Slaughter-allowed States

40:23 — Emotional Detachment Advice in Activism

44:28 — Final Message & Conclusion

Watch the podcast on Youtube here

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Harsha: https://www.instagram.com/harshadoc_ https://www.instagram.com/maakadoodhmovie

More links: ⁠⁠https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠

Contact me: farah@farahamber.com

In this episode, we're joined by Priyansh (@prunchme), a vegan chef and influential content creator who uses his platform to inspire millions by showcasing delicious food that just happens to be vegan.

Priyansh shares the pivotal moments that shaped his vegan journey, starting from a stark revelation during the Amazon fires in 2019 to his innovative approaches in presenting vegan food as accessible and enjoyable, rather than a sacrifice.

Tune in to hear about Priyansh’s experiences cooking at COP28, where his food truck became a hit among climate activists, and learn how he uses his platform to create positive change for animals and the environment!

Thanks for listening!!

Much love,

Farah Amber

Time stamps:

00:00 — Introduction

03:14 — Priyansh’s Vegan Journey

05:00 — Priyansh’s Cooking Journey

06:25 — The Start of Prunch

08:47 — The Vegan Food Bias

10:54 — What Drives You Everyday?

13:00 — Day in the life of Prunch

15:43 — Biggest Challenges

17:00 — Projects of Prunch

19:28 — COP28 + Going Plant-Based for the Environment

23:46 — Presenting Vegan Food to Non-Vegans

25:24 — Advice for Implementing PB Foods + Cooking Natural Foods

31:51 — What’s Next for Prunch

Watch the podcast on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/nxnKAKHLPdU

Connect with me: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsfarahamber

Connect with Priyansh: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/prunchme

More links: https://hoo.be/farahvegan⁠⁠

Contact me: farah@farahamber.com